Christian McCaffrey Makes History After Being Named NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Former Stanford star Christian McCaffrey becomes the first San Francisco 49er to win the award since Joe Montana

On Thursday, former Stanford star running back and current bell cow for the San Francisco 49ers, Christian McCaffrey, was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

He becomes just the fifth player in 49ers history to win the award, and is the first to do so since Joe Montana won it back in 1989 which was seven years before McCaffrey was born. He joins Roger Craig as the only 49ers running back to win the award, and is just the second running back to win the award since 2007.

CMC IS THE 2023 AP OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. pic.twitter.com/eYjffpqbxy

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 9, 2024

This adds to what has been a huge year for McCaffrey who has made history on a couple of occasions, including his rushing title being the first 49er since Joe “The Jet” Perry did so twice, in both 1953 and ’54.

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

On the year, the First Team All-Pro running back logged 272 carries for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, while securing 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. His 25 total touchdowns which include the playoffs is the most in a season in 49ers history as he passed Jerry Rice, and is also the most by any player in a season since LaDainian Tomlinson (2006).

On Sunday in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs, he has a chance to nab his first Super Bowl ring, and can also become just the second father-son duo with his dad ED McCaffrey to win the title for the same franchise. McCaffrey and the 49ers are slightly favored over Kansas City.

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As for the MVP, McCaffrey finished third in voting behind Dak Prescott and the winner of the award, Lamar Jackson.